Geographic Range

Habitat

Sarcastic fringeheads are found in a demersal, marine environment (Williams 2000). They occupy depths ranging from three to sixty-one meters. (Gotshall 1989). Fringeheads can be found in a subtropical climate typically around 38* C (Williams 2000).

More specifically, sarcastic fringeheads can be found along the exposed coast of the Pacific Ocean. At times, they can be seen on the sand or the mud bottom below low tide (Williams 2000) Typically, they occupy empty shells, abandoned holes and crevices ("PBS: Sea Dwellers" 2000). In some areas they even take up residence in old cans and bottles. In fact, in the "beer bottle field" of Santa Monica Bay, nearly every bottle is a home to a fringehead ("A Learning Link to the Aquarium of the Pacific" 2000).

Physical Description

Sarcastic fringeheads are the largest of all fringeheads (Eschmeyer 1983). They can grow to be 30.0 cm in length (Williams 2000). They possess the clinid family characteristics of a long dorsal fin, as well as wavy, fringe-like cirri on their heads ("PBS: Sea Dwellers" 2000). They are specifically known for their extremely large mouths. This is due, in part, to their characteristically long maxillary that extends nearly to the back edge of the gill cover (Gotshall 1989).

The bodies of the sarcastic fringeheads are long, slender and compressed. They possess unbranched pectoral fin rays (CALCOFI 1996). In addition, the dorsal fins extend continuously from the head to the base of the tail fin. Further, the anal fin extends from vent to the base of the tail fin (Barnhart 1936).

Fringeheads are generally brownish-gray and typically mottled with either red or green patches ("A Learning Link to the Aquarium of the Pacific" 2000). The dorsal spines possess two ocelli, one between the first and second spines, and the other between the fifth and ninth spines (Gotshall 1989). These ocelli are generally blue and outlined by a yellow ring ("A Learning Link to the Aquarium of the Pacific" 2000).

Reproduction

Sarcastic fringeheads generally spawn from January to August. They are oviparous creatures. The female lays her eggs in what is usually an abandoned burrow. It is then the task of the male to guard the nest that is attached to the wall of the shelter (CALCOFI 1996).

The eggs are typically 0.9 to 1.5 mm in diameter. Each egg has an oil globule component as well as filaments by which they are attached both to the nest itself as well as to the other eggs (CALCOFI 1996).

Behavior

As suggested by their name, sarcastic fringeheads are extremely temperamental. They are fiercely territorial creatures that aggressively protect their homes from all intruders, regardless of size. The majority of the time, sarcastic fringeheads are at rest in their homes -- only their heads protrude. However, upon the first sign of danger, they will employ their enormous mouths and needlelike teeth for defense. Initially, they emit only a warning accomplished by the flexing and snapping of their jaws. If the intruder ignores the warning, they will use their ferocious teeth to attack ("A Learning Link to the Aquarium of the Pacific" 2000).

Conservation Status

Contributors

Glossary

body of water between the southern ocean (above 60 degrees south latitude), Australia, Asia, and the western hemisphere. This is the world's largest ocean, covering about 28% of the world's surface.

bilateral symmetry

having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.

chemical

uses smells or other chemicals to communicate

coastal

the nearshore aquatic habitats near a coast, or shoreline.

motile

having the capacity to move from one place to another.

natatorial

specialized for swimming

native range

the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic.

tactile

uses touch to communicate

References

July 18, 2000. A Learning Link to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Los Angeles Times: E8.

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The Animal Diversity Web is an educational resource written largely by and for college students. ADW doesn't cover all species in the world, nor does it include all the latest scientific information about organisms we describe. Though we edit our accounts for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information in those accounts. While ADW staff and contributors provide references to books and websites that we believe are reputable, we cannot necessarily endorse the contents of references beyond our control.

This material is based upon work supported by the
National Science Foundation
Grants DRL 0089283, DRL 0628151, DUE 0633095, DRL 0918590, and DUE 1122742. Additional support has come from the Marisla Foundation, UM College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, Museum of Zoology, and Information and Technology Services.